Scottish Executive

Culture

Colin Fox (Lothians) (SSP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has considered calls for the establishment of a Scottish Poet Laureate as set out in motion S2M-789 in my name.

Mr Frank McAveety: The Scottish Executive has decided to create a position of national poet for Scotland. Scottish ministers believe that it is vitally important that we recognise the significant contribution of poetry to Scotland's culture. This position will symbolise the success of Scottish poets in the past and the potential of Scottish poetry for the future.

  Scottish ministers have decided to recognise Professor Edwin Morgan as Scotland's leading contemporary poet. Professor Morgan will therefore be the first person to be awarded the designation of "The Scots Makar" (The Scots Poet).

  Professor Morgan will be the only recipient of the title to be appointed by ministers. Ministers are committed to an independent appointment process for the future and will consult with the Scottish Arts Council and members of the poetry community to agree that procedure.